Born in 1835 in Dunfermline, Andrew Carnegie spent much of his life in America where he became one of the richest men in the world, donating more money to good causes than most people would ever earn.

Andrew Carnegie

We visited Andrew Carnegie's birthplace long ago on a visit to Scotland, but I have reminders of him nearer to home. I divide my time between two towns, one in England and one in Wales. One thing they have in common (besides me) is Carnegie libraries.

I've always felt grateful to Carnegie for the libraries and his dedication to education. A pity that these days so many libraries are being closed.

In the spirit of Carnegie, I'm glad to report that the old Carnegie library in my Welsh town has recently been closed. Because they've moved it to more spacious premises and the town has a wonderful new library!

Mona that's brilliant news about the Welsh Carnegie library. I started using a local library recently and was surprised at how automated it had become - your computerised library card can do most things, from booking a computer to issuing books. The last library I used was in the Highlands of Scotland and that one still had people doing a lot of the tasks you now do yourself, though that one was in danger of closure due to cuts.

Carnegie's attitude to libraries somehow echoes his attitude to wealth; books in libraries can be shared, used by many, rather than sitting gathering dust on a shelf. Wealth can be used to fund dreams and change lives through education and charitable giving, rather than accumulating until the owner dies without being spent or invested.